First Minister issues Dickson Plan rally cry

First Minister Peter Robinson meets with representatives from Lurgan College and Portadown College as well as Dickson Plan campaigners including local politicians.

Published:13:26Sunday 20 October 2013

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The First Minister was at Lurgan College last Thursday to discuss the threat to the Dickson Plan with those currently involved in it.

Peter Robinson, along with DUP colleagues, visited the grammar school and met with both Lurgan and Portadown College principals, the chairs and vice chairs of the board of governors and pupils to discuss the proposed education changes and what impact they would have on their schools and community.

The DUP have been involved in a ‘Save the Dickson Plan’ campaign and have been vocal in their support for retaining the current system. The party say they also want to see accommodation issues at the Lurgan campus of the Senior High addressed.

Speaking following the meeting the First Minister said: “The Dickson Plan is of vital importance to people in the Upper Bann and Tandragee areas and I know the huge community effort which has gone into highlighting the support which exists for this unique system.

“This was an invaluable opportunity to speak directly with those involved on the front-line of education within the Lurgan and Portadown areas and to give my support to the campaign to save the Dickson Plan.

“I was particularly pleased to see how schools, political representatives and the wider community are working together on this issue and I can promise that DUP colleagues will continue to stand firmly on this issue.

“There is clear community opposition to these controversial proposals and that must not be ignored. I would urge everyone to listen to the views of the overwhelming majority of parents, pupils and teachers from the Craigavon and Tandragee area who are all speaking with one voice to save the Dickson Plan.”

The DUP will continue their ‘Save The Dickson Plan’ campaign tonight (Thursday) at 8pm when a rally takes place at Craigavon Civic Centre hosted by MP David Simpson. 500 seats are available .